Row of houses may be demolished after explosion

People living near a house which was destroyed after a suspected gas explosion say their houses may have to be demolished.

Emergency services were called to the explosion at a property on Lancaster Road in Yate, Bristol at 06:53 BST on Tuesday

Three people were taken to hospital and 40 people were evacuated from their homes, but most were allowed to return by Tuesday evening.

Residents living in five of the neighbouring houses claim structural engineers have said their houses may need to be demolished.

A spokesperson from South Gloucestershire Council said the authority has spoken with insurance loss adjusters.

"This decision would ultimately be for them based on their own structural engineer's advice," they added.

A cordon remains in place around five houses on the street, and the couple who lived inside the home that exploded are reported to still be in hospital.

Rich Cainey lives next door to the couple and helped to rescue them from the rubble.

"Out of the three houses [affected by the explosion], no one's got any major life-threatening injuries," he said.

"Everyone [physically has] come off really well out of it and all the pets have now been found."

Nic Harvey, who lives nearby, added: "I don't know how anybody survived it.

"It's just a miracle. I know it's awful that they lost their possessions, it's absolutely devastating, but I'm just glad everybody's okay."

Occupants of the five affected properties were offered temporary accommodation, the council said, however they have decided to move in with friends or family.

Mr Cainey has not been allowed back inside his house since the incident.

He said everything he owns is inside, including his driving licence and passport. His has also lost access to his car after debris from the explosion damaged its roof.

John Hagues ventured back inside his house, which officers advised was at his own risk, to salvage a few treasured possessions.

He helped build his house and has lived in it for 40 years.

"I've just emptied all the photos out," he said.

"A few clothes, because we've got very little. And just bits and pieces of personal stuff, like my dad's medals."

He believes it could take over a year for his home to be rebuilt.

In the short term, he plans to move in with his children. After that he expects he will have to rent.

Avon Fire and Rescue service said the explosion cause has been logged as "accidental" and Wales and West Utilities has declared that the gas main outside is safe.

However, the fire service said it is too unsafe for crews to investigate, meaning the cause of the explosion may never be known.

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